James continued to flick through the pages of the alleged spellbook trying to decide which one to attempt to perform, accutely aware of how crazy this all must have looked.
"Please, just one quick spell" Meredith encouraged warmly, sensing his hesitation "Then you can both leave and we can write off any debts you have incurred"
"You hear that? Just read out one of the mumbo jumbo pretend magic spells from the crazy ladies book and we can leave" Nicola added helpfully "What are you waiting for?"
"Okay, okay, I'm going to the curses section" James snapped back. There was logic to this decision, he figured that when it wasn't immediately obvious that nothing had happened he and his friend could extract themselves from Merediths store with the minimum of fuss and embarassment.
"Oh, curses! a wonderful choice" Meredith clasped her hands together in gleeful approval.
"Ooh yes, nothing beats a good curse!" Nicola played along jokingly.
Wanting to get this over with James pointed at Nicola and read out the nonsensical sounding words of a random curse as seriously as he could manage.
As he finished his incantation Meredith applauded excitedly while Nicola smugly inspected herself to confirm nothing had changed.
"There. Can we go now?" The young woman enquired impatiently.
"Of course" Meredith almost seemed to be trying to stifle a laugh "But I have a feeling you'll be back before long"
"Yeah, whatever" Nicola answered as she made her way to the exit.
"Well, that was bizarre" James admitted when the pair were safely back on the street.
"So what is it I'm supposed to be cursed with?" Nicola asked with a giggle.
"I honestly don't know, I didn't even look"
"Well I guess we'll find out soon enough" Nicola deadpanned, blissfully unaware of the spell she was now under.